Dhaka: The government has taken a significant step in addressing unauthorized gas connections by disconnecting 7,170 such connections across the country in October. This effort was part of a nationwide drive that involved 698 operations, as reported by officials today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the operations led to the removal of nearly 10 kilometers of illegal gas supply pipelines. During these operations, 51 mobile courts were conducted, resulting in fines totaling Tk.5,159,000. Petrobangla spokesman Tariqul Islam Khan highlighted these efforts, noting that 10 cases and two first information reports (FIRs) were filed against factory owners, while additional cases were brought against landowners and individuals involved in the illegal activities.
Khan also noted that the mobile courts had arrested 15 people, each sentenced to five days of imprisonment. A statement from Petrobangla indicated that illegal gas usage by some individuals and institutions had led to frequent accidents, sometimes resulting in fatalities or causing lifelong disabilities.
The statement further explained that six gas distribution companies under Petrobangla, in cooperation with local administration, routinely conduct operations, including mobile courts, to disconnect illegal gas connections. These companies include Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC, Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Limited, Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Limited, Pashchimanchal Gas Company Limited, Karnaphuli Gas Company Limited, and Sundarban Gas Company Limited.
Petrobangla has warned that factory and household owners found with illegal gas connections could face penalties and imprisonment under the Gas Act, 2010, and other prevailing laws. The organization also urged the public to report illegal gas connections, refrain from using unauthorized gas, pay gas bills regularly, and use gas efficiently.